Giving...a response to having something taken away

Last night I was blessed to join a small army of parents, teenagers, and children at God's Helping Hands. If you are not aware of what God's Helping Hands is, it is a ministry that provides food and clothing for those in need. Let me tell you a little about the history of GHH.

This is from their website:

"God's Helping Hands is a community outreach coordinated by the churches of Christ. Since it began in 1998, we have been able to help meet the needs of families in Oakland, Macomb, and Lapeer counties, along with other counties in Southeast Michigan with clothing and food. With God's guidance and the help of agencies we have been able to aid over 2,100 families so far. Our prayer is that when everyone works together we can make a difference."

But this doesn't tell you the whole story.

On September 3, 1993 a special little boy was born in Auburn Hills, MI. Kevin Ray Cain entered this world as any other child, but was soon diagnosed with microcephalus, a condition in which a person has a very small head. At ten months of age, he was further diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Kevin would be unable to walk, talk, eat and play like other children. On April 26, 2001, this precious soul passed on from this life to an eternal life where he is free from pain and suffering. But in his seven and a half years on this earth, he taught his family, church and community what life and love was all about.

The financial and emotional struggles faced by the Cain’s as they tended to Kevin round the clock over the years was eased through community and church assistance. As a result of the support the Cains felt through their personal tragedy, they made the decision to “give back” to others faced with life struggles.

And so God’s Helping Hands was born….a food and clothing program that has helped over 4,600 Oakland County and surrounding area families since its inception in 1998. An average of 250-400 families receives assistance each month.

I am amazed by the heart of the Cain family. Many people likely would have folded up their tent, blamed God for their problems, and walked away. But the Cains, touched by the compassion of others, felt called to share the love they experienced with others.

Let me share with you one more story from the life of this family. (This is from the GHH website.)

When someone dies you think back and remember what they were like, things that they had accomplished or not accomplished. Memories of the time you spent together. Thoughts of what they will miss out on and what you will miss out on with them gone. But if done properly you will remember what is most important, you will remember love. How well you loved and how well you were loved. Devin Bennett William Cain was born August 6, 2002. He was special like all children, his needs were just larger. He knew what he liked and he knew what he didn't like. He loved music and listening to it, on occasion even joining in. He loved to laugh, and we all loved to see him laugh. When his Daddy would “get him” his smiles were as big as his face would allow and his laughter was loud and contagious. And like all good little brothers he knew it was his job to give his big brother a hard time. He was never shy about telling his family, his therapists, and his doctors when he didn't want to do what was expected of him. But through it all Devin had his very own special cheer section. Whether things were going well or not, he always had someone telling him that he could do it, or that it would be okay. Many got to see him take his first steps because of the technology of video, you never saw so many tears of joy. But like all sons no one could take the place of his Mom. She’s the one who could make all of the wrongs right. Devin may not have had a will or property of great value to leave behind. He does however leave behind a legacy worth more than money or gold, Devin leaves behind him a legacy of love. Anyone who ever loved him will never stop. And anyone who was ever loved by him will never forget. Devin will always be missed and life will be a little emptier without him here. But if nothing else learn one thing from Devin, that love is the easy part and it’s important to tell your loved ones that you love them. Life is short, don’t waste it on the what ifs or why nots, love outweighs it all. August 6, 2002 - June 19, 2007

Kevin and Devin both lived short, but impactive lives. Their brother Darren, now a teenager in the youth group here at Rochester, continues to serve alongside his parents. In spite of all they have lost, they continue to give.

I am surrounded by families everyday who have more material possessions than the Cains will likely ever have. But I have seen very few families who give as much as the Cains. They spend untold hours sorting clothing and food, contacting supporters, and filling out paperwork. They continue to give their time, their energy, their lives. They continue to live out lives that reflect the nature of the Kingdom of God.

If you would like to learn more about this ministry, you can visit them at http://wwwwww.ghhmichigan.org. Every time I think of the Cains and all they have been through, I think of God's Helping Hands and am reminded of the words of Paul:

Each time he [Jesus] said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

"I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:33-35)

I see these words lived out in the lives of Brian, Lisa, and Darren Cain. Thanks be to God for a family who is willing to give, even when so much seems to have been taken away.

shine!
Jason